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$34.95

90 Day Course Access

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  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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$39.95

Lifetime Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Live In-Course Chat Support
  • Phone Support
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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OTHER PROVIDER 2

$29.95

90 Day Course Access

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  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries

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90 Day Course Access

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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8098 ratings and reviews.
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card.

Buy For One

1 Boater

Per Boater

Total Savings

Crew Pack Discount

“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Raleigh, NC

BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the North Carolina Boater Education Card Test online

Take the official North Carolina Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

North Carolina Boater Education Card

Get Your Official Boater Education Card

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks. 

Boating In North Carolina

LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CARD?

Official North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card Replacements

Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.

 

North Carolina Boater Education Card

ONE CARD

$12.95

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

Lost North Carolina Boater Education Card 3 Pack Bundle

3 CARD BUNDLE

$7.51 EACH

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the North Carolina boating safety practice test now.

Four boxes showing different kinds of lifejackets, one of which has been highlighted as an answer to a question
North Carolina Boater Education Card

NORTH CAROLINA BOATER EDUCATION CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a North Carolina Boater Education Card

The North Carolina boater education card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the North Carolina Boating Safety Test. All boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 are required to get certified to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more.

Is the North Carolina Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?

The North Carolina Boater Education Card is proof of the successful completion of the North Carolina state-approved boater education course. The card is commonly referred to as a “boating license” However, unlike a license, the Boater Education Card does not expire, and does not need to be renewed. 

Who needs a North Carolina Boater Education Card?

Boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988 required a North Carolina Boater Education card, if they wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more on North Carolina’s public waterways. 

Who is exempt from having to obtain a North Carolina Boater Education Card?

  • Boat operators who were born prior to January 1, 1988
  • Non-residents who have successfully completed a boater education course in their state of residence

What is the fine for not having the Card?

Boaters caught without a Boater Card may receive a fine of up to $50. Keep in mind that certified boaters must carry the card on board their boat at all times during operation.

How do I get a North Carolina Boater Education Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the North Carolina Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Certification of Completion immediately.

How do I prepare for the North Carolina Boater Safety Test?

Boaters can prepare for the official North Carolina Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour North Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your North Carolina Boater Education Card.

Will my North Carolina Boater Education Card ever expire?

No. Your North Carolina Boater Education Card is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply in your state.

How do I replace my North Carolina Boater Education Card?

You can easily purchase a replacement North Carolina Boater Education Cards from BOATsmart!. Call us at 1-877-655-7778 to order, or login to your BOATsmart! Account to order online. 

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in North Carolina?

No. The state of North Carolina does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 you are required to obtain a Boater Education Card if you wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more, on North Carolina’s publish waterways.

Do I need a Boater Card for all types of boats?

Depending on your age, the North Carolina Boater Education Card is required to operate boats that are powered by a motor of 10 hp or more. 

How long does the North Carolina Boater Education Card take?

The state of North Carolina requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.

Is my North Carolina Boater Education Card valid in other states?

Yes. The North Carolina Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to deliver the official North Carolina Boater Education Card Course and Boating Safety Test.

 

State of North Caroline Wildlife Resources Commission Badge

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

1701 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC, 27699
https://www.ncwildlife.org/

Trusted from coast-to-coast, North Carolina approved

The official BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

NASBLA logo.
US Coast Guard logo.